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Research from Stanford Medicine suggests that vaccination against shingles may reduce the risk of developing dementia by 20%. Currently affecting over 57 million people worldwide, dementia cases are expected to nearly triple by 2050. The study, published in *Nature*, utilized data from a Welsh health policy that provided the shingles vaccine to those aged 79 and younger, creating a unique opportunity to compare vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. The findings revealed that those who received the vaccine had a 3.5% lower likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia over seven years. Experts emphasize the need for further research to confirm these results, particularly regarding the newer Shingrix vaccine. While the shingles vaccine is already recommended for older adults in the U.S. and U.K., these findings could potentially influence public health strategies aimed at combating dementia, which carries significant economic and social costs. 
Published: Apr 04 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA recent meta-analysis published in *The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology* has revealed that children born to mothers with gestational diabetes are 28% more likely to develop neurodevelopmental disorders. The study, which analyzed data from over 56 million mother-child pairs across 202 previous studies, found a significant correlation between maternal diabetes and various conditions, including a 30% increased risk of ADHD and a 25% increased risk of autism. Gestational diabetes, affecting approximately 21% of births globally in 2021, poses serious health risks not only during pregnancy but also for the child's future development. Experts emphasize the need for further research to establish causality and understand how maternal blood sugar levels may influence fetal brain development. While these findings are compelling, caution is advised, as meta-analyses cannot definitively prove cause-and-effect relationships.
Published: Apr 12 2025, 1 ameznews.inA recent study published in the journal *Geroscience* suggests that weight training may significantly reduce the risk of dementia in older adults, including those already experiencing mild cognitive impairment. Conducted by researchers at the State University of Campinas in Brazil, the study involved 44 participants aged 55 and older, who were divided into a weight training group and a control group. After six months, those engaged in resistance training showed improved verbal memory and brain health, while the control group exhibited cognitive decline. Notably, five participants in the weight training group no longer met the criteria for mild cognitive impairment by the study's end. Experts emphasize the importance of regular physical exercise, including strength training, for maintaining cognitive health in older adults, while cautioning that such programs should be supervised to mitigate injury risks. Further research is planned to explore the molecular mechanisms behind these findings.
Published: Apr 10 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA recent study published in *JAMA Neurology* indicates that certain antidiabetes medications may significantly lower the risk of dementia in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Researchers analyzed data from over 92,000 participants aged 50 and older, discovering that users of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) experienced a 33% reduction in dementia risk, while those taking SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) had a 43% lower risk. The findings suggest a potential link between diabetes management and brain health, as both conditions share physiological similarities, including inflammation and insulin resistance. However, while these results align with previous studies, a concurrent meta-analysis found only GLP-1RAs to be significantly associated with lower dementia risk, raising questions about SGLT2is. Experts caution that more extensive long-term studies are needed to confirm these effects and explore potential benefits for individuals without diabetes.
Published: Apr 10 2025, 12 ameznews.inA new study published in *PLOS Medicine* has revealed that certain combinations of food additives may significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 109,000 adults in France and identified two specific mixtures of additives linked to heightened diabetes risk, including artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose, emulsifiers, and acid regulators such as citric acid. The study underscores the potential dangers of consuming ultra-processed foods, which often contain multiple additives. Lead author Mathilde Touvier emphasized the need for reevaluating food additive regulations to enhance consumer protection. Experts, including Dr. Mir Ali and dietitian Monique Richard, highlighted the importance of reducing processed food intake and opting for whole foods to mitigate health risks. The findings suggest that awareness of food additives could play a crucial role in diabetes prevention, aligning with public health recommendations to limit non-essential additives in diets.
Published: Apr 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAs the United States grapples with an ongoing measles outbreak, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has emphasized vaccination as the most effective means of protection. Recent data from the CDC reveals 607 confirmed measles cases, with 97% occurring among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is crucial, with two doses providing 97% immunity. However, adults vaccinated with earlier, less effective formulations or those unsure of their immunity may require a booster. Medical expert Dr. David Cutler highlights that individuals born before 1957 are generally considered immune due to likely prior infections, while high-risk adults, including healthcare workers and international travelers, should seek additional doses. Blood tests can determine immunity status, and consulting a primary care physician is advised for personalized vaccination decisions.
Published: Apr 08 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA recent study published in *Nature Medicine* has revealed the significant health impacts of dietary shifts between traditional African and Western diets. Conducted by researchers from Radboud University Medical Center and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, the study found that just two weeks of adhering to a Western diet led to increased inflammation and impaired immune responses among participants accustomed to a traditional African diet. Conversely, transitioning to a plant-rich African diet or incorporating traditional fermented beverages, such as Mbege, demonstrated anti-inflammatory benefits and improved metabolic health. The research highlights the detrimental effects of processed foods typical of Western diets, which are linked to chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. While the study's small sample size and short duration present limitations, it underscores the potential of traditional diets in promoting health and preventing lifestyle-related illnesses, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural food heritage for better health outcomes.
Published: Apr 07 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA recent study presented at the EHRA 2025 congress has raised concerns about the potential link between long-term antidepressant use and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Researchers from Denmark analyzed medical records of adults aged 18 to 90, finding that those who used antidepressants for 1 to 5 years had a 56% higher risk of SCD, while those using them for 6 years or more faced a 2.2 times greater risk. Notably, younger individuals, particularly those aged 30-39, exhibited the highest relative risk. Experts caution that while the findings suggest a correlation, they do not establish causality, as underlying depression itself is a known risk factor for cardiovascular issues. Physicians emphasize the importance of discussing any concerns with patients and not abruptly discontinuing medication, highlighting the need for further research to unravel the complex relationship between psychiatric disorders, antidepressant use, and cardiovascular health.
Published: Apr 06 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA recent study from the University of Southern California suggests that sucralose, a popular non-caloric sweetener, may increase hunger and lead to overeating. Researchers employed MRI scans to analyze brain blood flow in the hypothalamus of 75 healthy young adults after consuming drinks sweetened with either sucralose, sugar, or water. The results indicated that sucralose triggered stronger hunger signals compared to both sugar and water, particularly in individuals of healthy weight and women, who exhibited heightened brain activity in response to the sweetener. While those classified as overweight did not show significant changes, participants with obesity experienced increased hunger-related brain activity after consuming sucralose versus water. Experts suggest that these findings could influence dietary recommendations, as sucralose may disrupt the brain's appetite regulation, potentially counteracting weight management efforts for those seeking to reduce caloric intake. Further research is needed to explore these implications fully.
Published: Apr 05 2025, 11 ameznews.inResearchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a promising new blood test that could significantly enhance the diagnosis and staging of Alzheimer’s disease. This test measures levels of a protein biomarker known as MTBR-tau243, which is linked to tau tangles in the brain, a key feature of Alzheimer’s pathology. In a study published in *Nature Medicine*, the test demonstrated 92% accuracy in reflecting the amount of tau tangles present in participants’ brains. The findings revealed that MTBR-tau243 levels were significantly elevated in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and even more pronounced in those with late-stage dementia. Experts suggest that this blood test could facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment, addressing unmet needs in Alzheimer’s care. However, further validation is necessary across diverse populations to ensure the test's reliability and specificity before it can be widely implemented in clinical settings.
Published: Apr 04 2025, 3 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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